Nov. 4, 2003

Left-handed pitcher Tim Christman (Oneonta, N.Y.) has agreed to terms with the Detroit Tigers on a deal that could land him at major league spring training this March. Christman played three seasons of college baseball at Siena, setting several school strikeout records.

The southpaw has battled through an injury-plagued career since being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 11th round of the 1996 first year player's draft. Christman has undergone seven arm/shoulder surgeries, but has constantly bounced back to pursue his dream.

His vision of reaching the majors was realized in 2001 when he appeared in relief as a member of the Rockies against the Arizona Diamond Backs. This past July, he was traded to the Florida Marlins where he played at the AAA level. Christman became a free agent following the season because it was his fifth year in the minors.

"I am extremely excited about the potential to again reach the majors," Christman said this afternoon. "After speaking with the club, they said there is a chance I could be called into major league camp when spring training begins."

Christman recently traveled with Team USA to Cuba to battle for the World Cup. Though Team USA landed fifth, Christman was near perfect in his three-plus innings of work in relief, striking out seven batters while boasting a team-best 0.00 ERA.

Christman's stellar Siena career was capped off by back-to-back MAAC Championships and consecutive trips to the NCAA Play-in round. He has remained close to the school and program, recently participating in the 25th annual baseball alumni game.